SEVEN WIN SEED FUNDING

Seven social entrepreneurs from across Scotland have been awarded a total of £22,738 from the Social Entrepreneurs Fund. The awards were delivered by FIRSTPORT, Scotland’s start up social enterprise development agency, to help the awardees pilot their business ideas.

The seven entrepreneurs will use their award money to test social enterprises ideas around Scotland.

The entrepreneurs’ ideas include UPBEAT Theatre Company that uses drama, performance and the theatre experience to create community cohesion and tackle antisocial behavior in Glasgow (Stacey Norwood, £3,000), Tech Bank which will repair and up-cycle used smart technology to distribute to disadvantaged and disengaged groups, promoting employment and training opportunities in North Lanarkshire (Greg Lennon, £3,500) and ActivNess, an affordable coaching service and a website that will promote local fitness activities and offer free taster sessions for members (Malcolm MacSween, £3,820).

The awards are part of Firstport’s “Start It” awards programme. The entrepreneurs can apply for up to £5,000 to pilot their business idea. The awards are funded by the Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund. As social enterprises, these businesses have social or environmental goals; they aim to become financially sustainable and generate profits to re-invest in the cause they support.